I peep through the door of the multipurpose hall and see a group of boys and girls practicing martial arts. On the other side of the hall, the ongoing dance rehearsals are simply electrifying. There is something about music that stirs excitement in the air.
I leave the hall and stroll towards the outdoor basketball court. On the court, a bunch of kids are immersed in shooting drills under a watchful eye of their coach. The next Steph Curry could be in the making right in front of my eyes.
Music, karate utterances and bouncing basketballs create a fusion of sounds. However, the library is as quiet as it gets. A mere cough inside this room sounds thunderous. I creep around the shelves for a while before picking up something to read.
Today, I am visiting the Kayonza Youth Friendly Center. I am here to deliver donations paid for by Umuri Foundation. Donated items are copies of my book titled Memories. It is a recollection of my Temberu Rwanda experiences chronicled between 2017 and 2020.
The donor, Umuri Foundation, was founded in 2018 to empower the youth through sports. The nonprofit organization helps underprivileged young people to develop their talents, pursue opportunities in education and lift themselves out of poverty.
Kayonza Youth Friendly Center is a gift to the community. Its establishment has given the youth free access to sports facilities and a library. In addition, the investment has created a conducive environment for innovators to excel.
Similar youth friendly centers are found in different parts of Rwanda. Their coordinators play a big role in identifying and developing talent. The setup of these centers is the foundation on which the promotion of sports, public health, entrepreneurship, ICT, literacy, culture and civic education is taking shape.
The author is a travel enthusiast on a tour of all 30 districts of Rwanda. Follow his awe-inspiring expeditions on Twitter @GeoExposure.